The Boeing 737

The Boeing 737 Series is the biggest selling jet airliner ever built. The aircraft size, configuration, economy, range and reliability have made the series a favourite with airlines around the world.

Since the 737 was launched in the 1960s with the 737-100, more than 14,000 orders have been placed. The 737 has carried over 12 billion passengers and travelled over 120 billion kilometres. With around 10,000 737s being delivered and more than 8,000 in service today, the 737 represents more than a quarter of the total worldwide fleet of commercial jet airliners. In fact, on average, about 1,250 737s are in the air at all times and one takes off or lands about every 2 or 3 seconds.

737s fall into three groups:

The Originals: 737-100 and 737-200. Production was from 1971 until 1988.
The Classics: 737-300, 737-400 and 737-500. Production was from 1984 until 2000
Next Generation: 737-600, 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900. Production commenced in 1996 and continues today.

The Next Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft is the biggest selling model and has up to 189 seats, compared to just 100 on the original 737-100. It has more efficient CFM56-7B turbo fans; a new, more fuel-efficient wing and larger tail surfaces – all factors that have encouraged airlines to update their fleets. The new flight decks feature new six-panel LCD screens, providing more effective, easier-to-read information. The Next Generation 737-800 and 737-900 are the largest members of the Boeing family. They are distinguished by new fuselage lengths and an extended single-class seating range.